Principals earn their spurs by braving the elements in the name of keeping up tradition

Spurs Night

Published:13:09Sunday 27 May 2012

Share this article

GALASHIELS and Selkirk came together on Friday for the annual Spurs Night ceremony.

Royal Burgh Standard Bearer Gavin Henderson and the Braw Lad and Braw Lass Ryan Mania and Nicola Mackay exchanged greetings when they met on horseback at Galafoot.

A rain-soaked cavalcade of just over 100 followed the principals into the town centre. They were escorted part of the way by Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band and Gala YM RFC provided the traditional stirrup cup outside the Auld Mill, where a small section of Galashiels Town Band entertained the waiting crowd.

The Spurs Night dinner hosted by the Gala Souters Association took place in clubrooms of the local branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland.

Standard Bearer Henderson received his spurs from association chairman George Emond while secretary Elspeth Heard presented spurs to the Braw Lad and a compact to the Braw Lass.

All three principals made suitable replies to the toasts given in their honour.

The toast to the Royal Burgh and Ancient Crafts was proposed by TheSouthern’s deputy editor Bob Burgess with a reply from Les Millar, Provost of the Common Riding Trust.

Tommy Knox rendered suitable Selkirk songs and the vote of thanks was proposed by Ex-Standard Bearer Douglas Gunn. Music for the dance which followed came from veteran entertainer, George Inglis.